Double Ended Hand Tool

ABSTRACT

A double ended hand tool created to pick up place and position flatback crystals, gems or other tiny items is disclosed. The tool contains a hollow, conical end which securely encases each crystal allowing the operator to easily position the crystal with no slip. The tool has a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft. The first end has a wax tip which allows the user to pick up crystals or other small items. The second end has a hollow narrow extended portion which allows the users to manipulate the crystal or other small items.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/387,471 filed Apr. 17, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/641,208, filed Mar. 6, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.10,308,005 issued Jun. 4, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/949,293 filed Mar. 7, 2014, theentirety of both are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for a double endedhand tool.

Description of Related Art

Tiny crystals are difficult to pick u p and place into artwork. A newfacet design by Swarovski makes the small crystals taller and with asmaller table (the top flat facet) they are sharper. The sharpnessshreds many pick-u p tools and creates positioning problems when workingwith most other tools. Other hand tools, have flat or pointed ends thatcan easily slip OFF the crystal facet. Consequently, there is a need fora tool which allows an operator to position and place the crystal withno slip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a view of a tool in one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the tool in FIG. 1A in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool in use in one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wax tip being manufactured in oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wax being injected into the mold inone embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

As stated above, tiny crystals are difficult to pick up and place intoartwork. A new facet design by Swarovski makes the small crystals tallerand with a smaller table (the top flat facet). Accordingly, the newcrystals are sharper. The sharpness shreds many pick-up tools andcreates positioning problems when working with most other tools. Theinvention claimed here solves this problem.

In one embodiment the tool contains a hollow, conical end which securelyencases each crystal allowing the operator to easily position thecrystal with no slip. It can aide with crystals of virtually any size,including crystals of size ss3-ss40.

FIG. 1A is a view of a tool in one embodiment. FIG. 1B is an explodedview of the tool in one embodiment. The size of the tool 100 can varydepending upon the application. In one embodiment the tool 100 is sizedsimilar to a pen or pencil such that it can be operated with a singlehand. In one embodiment the tool 100 is between about 3 and 8 inches inlength. In one embodiment the tool 100 is between about 4 and 7 inchesin length. In one embodiment the tool has a diameter of between about0.25″ and 0.5″. In one embodiment the tool 100 comprises a double endedhand tool. A double ended hand tool, as used herein, refers to a toolwhich has features on both ends, as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

As depicted in FIG. 1A, the tool 100 comprises a wax tip 103 at a firstend and an applicator 105 at a second end. As depicted, the wax tip 103comprises a wax portion 115 at a first end and a tubular shape 113 at asecond end. In one embodiment the wax portion 115 comprises a conicalshape. In one embodiment, the wax portion 115 at the first end cancomprise any shape which results in a pointed end. As will be discussedin more detail below, the tubular portion 113 of the wax tip 103 securesand couples the wax tip 103 within the tool 100. The tubular portion 113can comprise any elongated shape which secures the wax tip 103 to theconnector 102.

The first end of the tool 100, the top side as depicted in FIG. 1,comprises a wax tip 103 which is used to pick up the crystals or othersmall items. While an embodiment will be described in reference topicking up a crystal, this is for illustrative purposes only and shouldnot be deemed limiting. Small items other than crystals can be used, aswill be discussed in more detail below. Virtually any small craft itemsincluding crystals, beads, jewelry, etc., can be placed with the tooldescribed herein.

In one embodiment the wax has sufficient adhesion to adhere the crystalor other small craft item but not so much adhesion as to prevent releasewhen the crystal or other small craft items comes into contact with theglue. The wax can comprise a variety of waxes. In one embodiment, thewax comprises a 1:1 ratio, 4 oz/4 oz in each batch of 119012, SPRUE WAX2-S9 GREEN and 119021, FERRIS 12 RED. In one embodiment, the green waxprovides the necessary tackiness. This is what provides the wax theability to pick up and retain the crystals. Thus, in one embodiment, thegreen wax provides the necessary adhesion to temporarily adhere thecrystal or other small item. In one embodiment, the red wax provides thenecessary stability. Prior art waxes become brittle and thereaftercrumble. Bees wax, for example, smears leaving behind an undesirableresidue. The red wax prevents this residue by providing a wax which doesnot crumble during shipping, storage, or use. The combination of thesetwo waxes, with each of their advantages, results in a superior waxwhich is both tacky and stable.

In one embodiment the wax further comprises 1 black wax dye chip toprovide the desired color. This formulation is for illustrative purposesonly and should not be deemed limiting.

As discussed, in one embodiment and as depicted, the first end of thewax tip 103 comprise a conical shape. This shape provides a sufficientpoint to adhere crystals. As noted, in some embodiments the crystals arevery small. A conical shape allows the wax tip 103 to accurately andselect the desired crystal. The base of the wax tip 103 can vary. In oneembodiment it has a diameter which approximates the diameter as the restof the tool 100. In one embodiment the base of the wax tip 103 has adiameter of about 0.5 inches. The tip of the wax tip 103 can varydepending upon the desired application. For example, a finer tip allowssmaller items to be picked up and positioned. The tip of the wax tip 103can vary from about ⅛^(th) of an inch to less than 1/16^(th) of an inchin diameter.

On the second end of the wax tip 103, on the opposite end of the firstend, is the tubular end. The tubular end of the wax tip 103, in oneembodiment, couples and connects with the connector 102. This securesthe wax tip 103 to the tool 100. In one embodiment the tubular end ofthe wax tip 103 is dipped into wax to create the best bond with the waxtip 103. Further, dipping the tubular end of the wax tip 103 into waxincreases friction and adherence of the wax tip 103 with the connector102. Also depicted in FIG. 1A is the grommet 114. The grommet fits overthe tubular end 113 of the wax tip 103 and provides increased snug andfit within the connector 102. The grommet 114 can comprise virtually anymaterial of any desired size. In one embodiment the grommet 114comprises a rubber or plastic.

The connector 102 couples the wax tip 103 to the applicator cover 104and the applicator 105. As depicted the connector 102 comprises a hollowtubular device. The connector 102 couples to the wax tip 103 at a firstend and to the applicator cover 104 on the opposite end. In oneembodiment, and as depicted, the connector 102 couples to the applicatorcover 104 via threading.

The connector 102 is inserted through a shaft 101 to help create properposture and provide for a more easily gripped tool. In one embodimentthe shaft 101 comprises recycled materials, plastic, metal, bamboo, andcombinations thereof.

The shaft 101 can be secured via any method or device known in the art.In one embodiment the connector 102 comprises an enlarged diameter 106at the first end. Accordingly, when the connector 102 is insertedthrough the shaft 101, the first shaft 101 is secured by the connector's102 enlarged diameter 106 at the first end. Thereafter, when the adaptercover 104 is secured, via threading for example, then the shaft 101 islocked in place between the enlarged diameter 106 and the adapter cover104.

Returning back to FIG. 1B, the tool 100 further comprises the adapter105 located on the second end of the tool 100. The adapter 105 cancomprise virtually any material including but not limited to plastic,metal, etc. As described above, in one embodiment the adapter cover 104is removable via threads or such device. Once the adapter cover 104 iscoupled tot the connector 102, the adapter 105 is secured in place.However, the adapter cover 104 can be removed, and the adapter 105 bereplaced with a different size to better suit the specific crystal andapplication process. This offers increased efficiency and customization.

In one embodiment, the adapter 105 is a precision conical tube thatallows the operator to firmly push and position each crystal as neededin the gluing process without disturbing other crystals around it. Asnoted, the tool can comprise adapters 105 of different sizes allowingthe operator to better control the placement of the items. The adapters105 allow the tool to be customized to different sizes and shapes ofitems. The adapter 105 comprises a narrow extended portion 107 whichallows the operator to easily position the crystal with no slip. Thenarrow extended portion 107 can be hollow or solid and it acts as aprecious tool to allow the user to move and position the crystals totheir desired location. In one embodiment, the adapter 105 can aide fromcrystal sizes ss3-ss40. In another embodiment, the adapter 105 can aidwith virtually any standard size crystals in the industry. The extendedportion 107 is different from the prior art tools which slip off thecrystal facet causing damage to the surface being glued on or thecrystals already being glued on the surface treatment. The claimedinvention differs from what currently exists.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool in use in one embodiment. Asshown the tool 100 is being used to apply a plurality of crystals 208onto an object 209. The crystals 208 can comprise virtually any type ofcrystals or small craft item. These include but are not limited toFlatback, Swarovski, Preciosa, Korean, DMC, Austrian, Czech, glass,rhinestones, crystals, acrylic, Fancy stones, (Pointed back), Swarovski,Preciosa, Korean, DMC, Austrian, Czech, glass, rhinestones, crystals,acrylic, Real Gemstones, and real diamonds. The object 209 can compriseany object of virtually any size, shape, and texture. The object 209 cancomprise any object which a user desires to decorate. Possible objectsinclude, but is not limited to, clothing, computers, scrap books,notebooks, frames, pictures, artwork, suitcases, etc. As depicted, theobject 209 comprises headphones.

As shown, in one embodiment, the first step is applying an adhesive 210.The adhesive can comprise any adhesive known in the art. These includeglue, tape, adhesive paint, etc. In one embodiment the adhesive 210comprises a liquid adhesive, such as a glue, which hardens upon drying.The type of adhesive 210 will depend upon the desired application.

The adhesive 210 can be applied via any method or device known in theart. In one embodiment the adhesive 210 is applied via a syringe whichallows the adhesive to be accurately placed.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the object 209 has several points where adhesive210 has been applied to the object 209. The user has used the wax tip103 to grasp one crystal 208. Very little pressure is needed totemporarily adhere the crystal 108 to the wax tip 103. Thereafter, theuser brings the crystal 208 into contact with the adhesive 210. Becausethe adhesion of the adhesive 210 is greater than the adhesion of the waxtip 103, the crystal 208 adheres to the object 209. If necessary, thetool 100 can be rotated and the adapter 105 can be used to position thecrystal 208. The process is repeated as many times as necessary toadhere the crystals 208 to the object 209.

While the examples have primarily used crystals to demonstrate thenovelty and use, this is for illustrative purposes only and should notbe deemed limiting. Virtually any small items in any industry can beused, for example, nail art, stained glass, mosaics, sequins, pressedflowers, model building parts such as model trains or cars, etc. As canbe seen, its use is virtually endless.

As noted, the tool and method discussed herein is a significantimprovement over the prior art. Using the standard wax on a stick isvery hard on your fingers when trying to pick up a large amount of verysmall crystals. This tool eliminates that problem by becoming a properholder for the wax by placing it in the user's hand with ease andcomfort. Further, many other tools have a pointed or slanted end forpositioning crystals which now, due to the change of the top-table facetof the crystals, slide off the crystal you are trying to position, andpossibly disturbing the other crystals that the operator has justpositioned. This also helps scrapbookers with fine paper diecuts anddoes not mar or scratch the items they are picking up and placing withthe tool 100.

While the tool 100 and one method of using the tool 100 has beendescribed, the method of making the tool 100, in one embodiment, willnow be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wax tip 103 beingmanufactured in one embodiment. As depicted, the wax is being heated ina kettle. To prepare the wax, in one embodiment, the green and red waxingredients discussed above are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. In otherembodiments other ratios are acceptable. As an example, in oneembodiment comprising Mosaic tile, a 1:4 blend is suitable and worksgreat on small tile, porcelain tile, stained glass pieces. Thereafterthe optional color die is added to provide the desired color. Themixture, in one embodiment, is melted at a temperature of about 190° F.After melting, the liquid wax is kept at a temperature of about 165° F.for a time of about 2 hours. This allows the wax to achieve the perfectuse temperature for workability of the wax to the mold. After cooking,the wax is withdrawn from the kettle. As depicted in FIG. 2, the wax isdepicted as being withdrawn with a syringe. This is for illustrativepurposes and should not be deemed limiting. In one embodiment a 3 mLsyringe is used as it is comfortable in a human hand. This allows 2-3 mLof wax to be withdrawn at a time. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of thewax being injected into the mold in one embodiment. As depicted, the waxin the syringe is injected into a mold 411. The mold 411 can comprisevirtually any suitable material. In one embodiment the mold 411comprises silicone. The mold 411, as depicted, comprises one or morecavities 412 which are to be filled or partially filled with the wax.The cavity can be formed with any method known in the art includingetching or carving. As depicted, the cavities 412 comprise a conicalshape, which will give the wax tip 103 the conical shape. Other shapes,words, logos, etc., can be applied to the final wax tip by controllingthe mold 412. As depicted, a tubular portion 113, or stem, is insertedinto the injected wax. The tubular portion 113, in one embodiment,comprises plastic. The tubular portion 113 couples to the wax as the waxhardens around the tubular portion 113. As noted, in one embodiment thetubular portion 113 is covered with wax as well to aid in the couplingof the tubular portion 113 to the wax portion of the wax tip 103. In oneembodiment the wax tip 103 is allowed to set for 10-15 minutes to hardenthe wax.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of thedisclosed invention.

Clause 1. A tool for applying items, said tool comprising:

a first end and a second end, said first and second ends coupled by ashaft;

wherein said first end comprises a wax tip, and wherein said second endcomprises a hollow narrow extended portion.

Clause 2. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidshaft is hollow, and wherein said tool further comprises a connectorlocated within said shaft.Clause 3. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause furthercomprising an adapter, wherein said hollow narrow extended portion iscoupled to said adapter.Clause 4. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidadapter is removeable.Clause 5. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause furthercomprising an adapter cover which couples and secures the adapter inplace.Clause 6. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidwax tip comprises a wax portion and a tubular portion.Clause 7. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidwax tip comprises a conical shape.Clause 8. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein tubularportion comprises a coating of wax.Clause 9. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause furthercomprising a grommet, wherein said grommet secures said wax tip withinsaid connector.Clause 10. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidwax tip comprises a green wax and a red wax.Clause 11. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidgreen wax comprises 119012, SPRUE WAX 2-S9 GREEN.Clause 12. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidred wax comprises 119021, FERRIS 12 RED.Clause 13. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidshaft is hollow and encompasses a connector; wherein said wax tipcomprises a conical wax portion and a tubular portion; wherein saidtubular portion couples with a grommet to secure said wax tip withinsaid connector; wherein said hollow narrow extended portion is coupledto an adapter; wherein said adapter is covered by an adapter cover, andwherein said hollow narrow extended portion extends through said adaptercover.Clause 14. A method for making a tool, said method comprising the stepsof:

a) preparing a wax;

b) melting a wax;

c) injecting said wax into a mold to form a wax portion;

d) inserting a tubular portion into said wax portion to form a wax tip;

e) inserting said wax tip into a connector located on a tool.

Clause 15. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidpreparing a wax comprises adding 119012, SPRUE WAX 2-S9 GREEN and119021, FERRIS 12 RED.Clause 16. The method of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein said119012, SPRUE WAX 2-S9 GREEN and 119021, FERRIS 12 RED are added in a1:1 ratio.Clause 17. A system for applying items, said system comprising:

a double ended hand tool comprising a first end and a second end,wherein said first end comprises a wax tip and wherein said second endcomprises a narrow extended portion;

an object upon which a small craft item is to be adhered;

an adhesive for applying a small item to an object;

wherein said adhesive is placed upon said object;

wherein said adhesive comprises an adhesion which is greater than theadhesion of said wax tip;

whereby a user places said wax tip upon a small item, picking up saidsmall item;

whereby a user deposits said small item onto an adhesive;

whereby a user uses said narrow extended portion to position said smallitem.

Clause 18. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause furthercomprising a shaft, wherein said shaft is hollow and encompasses aconnector; wherein said wax tip comprises a conical wax portion and atubular portion; wherein said tubular portion couples with a grommet tosecure said wax tip within said connector; wherein said hollow narrowextended portion is coupled to an adapter; wherein said adapter iscovered by an adapter cover, and wherein said hollow narrow extendedportion extends through said adapter cover.Clause 19. The tool of any proceeding or preceding clause wherein saidsmall item comprises crystals.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool for applying items, said tool comprising:a first end and a second end, said first and second ends coupled by ashaft; wherein said first end comprises a wax tip, and wherein saidsecond end comprises a hollow narrow extended portion, and wherein saidtool further comprises a connector located within said shaft.
 2. Thetool of claim 1 further comprising an adapter, wherein said hollownarrow extended portion is coupled to said adapter.
 3. The tool of claim2 wherein said adapter is removeable.
 4. The tool of claim 2 furthercomprising an adapter cover which couples and secures the adapter inplace.
 5. The tool of claim 1 wherein said wax tip comprises a waxportion and a tubular portion.
 6. The tool of claim 5 wherein said waxtip comprises a conical shape. The tool of claim 5 wherein tubularportion comprises a coating of wax.
 8. The tool of claim 2 furthercomprising a grommet, wherein said grommet secures said wax tip withinsaid connector.
 9. The tool of claim 1 wherein said wax tip comprises agreen wax and a red wax.
 10. The tool of claim 2 wherein said shaft ishollow and encompasses a connector; wherein said wax tip comprises aconical wax portion and a tubular portion; wherein said tubular portioncouples with a grommet to secure said wax tip within said connector;wherein said hollow narrow extended portion is coupled to an adapter;wherein said adapter is covered by an adapter cover, and wherein saidhollow narrow extended portion extends through said adapter cover.